MEMBER for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto and three members of the public are preparing to ride a bucking bull at this year's Ingham Sugar City Rodeo.
The special event, which will take place on September 11, will make a comeback with Mr Dametto joined by Captain James Steven of the Halifax Fire Service Auxiliary, Morton's Earthmoving machinery operator Jonty Collins-Furber, and Casey Costabeber, a therapy assistant with Optimise Health and Wellness, in the charity bull ride.
In 2019 a total of $2000 was raised thanks to the community's support and Mr Dametto said he was excited to get back on the bull after last year's COVID-19 restrictions forced its cancellation.
"I'm expecting to see a bumper crowds return to watch a bit of fun in the dirt and maybe a politician gored by a bull," he said.
"I must be mad to be doing this again, but it's fantastic to see I won't be doing it alone.
"The charity bull ride is expanding this year to four participants, it will be a race against the clock.
"I can't believe they found three blokes willing to ride with me; we will all need to bring our A game if we have any chance of riding one of these bulls on the night."
This year all cash donations will be split equally between the four riders and their local charity.
Mr Dametto will be donating to Audrey's Angels of Hope and riding in memory of Judy Reardon who was killed in a car accident in 2019. She was a significant contributor to the charity.
Captain Stevens will be donating to Hinchinbrook Branch Queensland Blue Light, Mr Collins-Furber will be donating to Ingham Palliative Care and riding in honour of close family friend Will Murdoch while Mr Costabeber will donate to Ingham Riding for Disabled Association Inc.
Organising Committee president Don Oswin said the charity bull ride was a drawcard for the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo.
"People thoroughly enjoy seeing our Member for Parliament and locals take on the bulls, it's a bonus to the event," he said.
"We try to support locals and involve our local community groups as much as possible. This year we have approximately 15 market stalls and the majority are from the Hinchinbrook region."
Ingham Sugar City Rodeo will donate an additional $500 to the rider with the best time.
To show your support visit www.gofundme.com/f/ingham-sugar-cityrodeo-2021-charity-bull-ride
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